Whether you’re just getting started as an insurance sales professional, or you’ve been at it for years, it’s important that you establish a committed space where operate your business. It doesn’t matter whether you have an established office, or you work from your home. You want to have a workspace that’s separate from your living space.
Below are some things to consider in upgrading your office.
Technology
Laptop: The right laptop is essential – for when you are working in your office, visiting clients, or traveling. You want a laptop with impressive memory, crisp graphics, and great battery life. The New York Times published a July 2024 article that looked at three top laptops for business. TechRadar compares five other models.
Monitor: Your workspace will partially determine your monitor selection. Do you prefer a single, large monitor or dual, smaller screens? Screen resolution is another consideration. The higher the resolution, the sharper your images and colors. Forbes recommends the Dell’s Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor. The NYT’s Wirecutter column includes an analysis of several different-sized monitors.
Headphones: Being able to focus is essential, especially when working from a home office that may – or may not – be bordering on family space or other noisy surroundings. One way to undermine distractions is with noise-cancelling headphones. You don’t necessarily need to use them all the time (we discuss added speakers below), but for conference calls, headphones can help you shut out the world. Soundguys features a helpful comparison, as does the Best Buy website.
Premium Speakers: Whether you’re working alone or alongside others, studies show that music can be motivational, release dopamine, and reduce stress. Music can also block out distracting noise. If you think the music itself could be distracting, you may be surprised to learn that 88% of workers produce more accurate work when they listen to music. If you’re not sure what to choose for your background music, we recommend Word & Brown’s Spotify account, where you can find a number of playlists curated by our staff, including our annual WOW playlist and Broker Jams playlist. An article published by todoist recommends the Anker Soundcore Portable Speaker, JBL Flip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, and Sonos Play:1. Each is available at a variety of outlets.
Printer/Scanner/Copier: When it comes to your office printer, an all-in-one machine is a space-saving choice. Plus, the tech has improved in recent years, so you can get one wireless, user-friendly device that scans, copies, and prints. Setup is simple and most take up only limited space on your desk. Again, the New York Times offers a useful comparison of four worthwhile contenders. PC Mag offers another perspective.
Wireless Keyboard and Ergonomic Mouse: Moving to a wireless keyboard and ergonomic mouse will really help move you to the next level. Forbes offers suggestions for best overall wireless mouse, best trackball mouse, ergonomic wireless mouse, and best wireless mouse for Windows. Read the full 2023 comparison, or the 2024 top-tested picks by PC Mag.
PC World published a 2024 comparison of top Bluetooth and USB wireless keyboards.
Furniture
Height-Adjustable Desk: Tech Radar published an article in August 2024 on the best standing desks. It includes six models based on different criteria: best overall, best for accessories, best on a budget, best premium, best minimalist, and best for cable management. BTOD.com, an office furniture retailer, has an online review of more than a dozen standing desks at multiple price levels – from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Ergonomic Chair: Style should not be your first consideration in selecting a chair for your desk. Ergonomics is vital – and priority one. That’s because musculoskeletal disorders account for about one-third (34%) of all lost-workday injuries and illnesses according to the Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. When your workspace is set up properly, with desks, chairs, and monitors at the right height and angle, it can reduce strain on your back, neck, and eyes. Being comfortable pays dividends in the long run, too – boosting your productivity. Check your local office furniture store, Amazon, Wayfair, and national chains like Office Depot and Staples for deals.
Adjustable Lighting: The importance of lighting in your office cannot be over-emphasized. Good lighting can affect your health, performance, improved visibility, safety, happiness, and job satisfaction. It can boost your productivity, reduce errors, and promote a more positive work environment, too. Poor lighting can create eye strain and stress, and prompt headaches for some.
Overhead lighting can sometimes be harsh, but choosing a good desk lamp can enhance your workspace. The NYT Wirecutter column offers some advice here, too. The staff researched 55 desk and tested 20. Business Insider published The 6 best desk lamps of 2024, tested and reviewed in April 2024.
Office Layout
Pick colors that motivate you: According to Sherwin-Williams, cool, light tones can make workspaces seem larger. Muted tones may help individuals focus on serious tasks. A survey of 1,000 office workers found blue to be a preferred hue. The perfect palette may be a mix of relaxing blue green with accents of soft red. What matters is finding a color combination that works for you.
Flexibility is key. You want to be able to adjust your lights, chair, desk, and other furnishings. The more natural your lighting, the better. Consider sheer blinds that let the light come in. Or if you find the light a distraction, you can go the other way with blackout shades. Motorized blinds and shades will give you maximum control, according to stoneside.com. Remember, too, that your workspace may be a deductible expense on your taxes. Discuss your options with a tax professional.
Ask your Word & Brown rep whether they know brokers with stellar home office set-ups or further suggestions. Many of our staff work from home offices, too. They can also discuss W&B technology and marketing tools that can further set you apart from your competitions. If you’re not already doing business with Word & Brown, call 800-869-6989 or register online to get started.
